Is it mandatory to take a physics course for most college programs?

I'm currently planning out my senior year courses, and I'm trying to figure out if I need physics to be a competitive applicant. Physics isn’t really my strong suit, so I’m wondering, do a lot of college programs require you to have taken physics in high school? Also, would it hurt my application if I decide not to take it but I'm applying for a major that's not related to science or engineering?

Whether or not you need to take a physics course in high school typically depends on the specific colleges and programs you're interested in. For non-science and non-engineering majors, many colleges don't require physics specifically, but they do like to see that you've challenged yourself with rigorous courses. Rather than focusing strictly on whether you need physics, consider maintaining a balance in your coursework that demonstrates your strengths and reflects a solid academic foundation.

If physics isn't your strong suit and it's not related to your intended major, it's generally better to excel in courses that align more closely with your interests and strengths. For example, if you're planning to major in the humanities, advanced courses in literature or history could be more beneficial. Nevertheless, if you're applying to a particularly selective program, it might be worth considering at least a basic physics course, if it fits into your schedule without overloading you.